Joe Murena

Joe Murena, a finalist on Fox reality TV show "American Idol," will make his Off-Broadway debut from 02 Feb 2014 in Anthony J. Wilkinson's comedy My Big Gay Italian Funeral, playing at St. Luke's Theatre. Murena will assume the role of 'Ezio' from current cast member Brandon Goins.

Murena is most commonly known as a finalist from "American Idol" (Season 4 with Carrie Underwood). He is also known for his performances on "Star Search," "Good Morning America" and "Showtime at the Apollo." His theatrical credits include Long Island community Theater Productions of 'West Side Story' (Arab) and 'Breaking Up Is Hard To Do' (Del Delmonico).

My Big Gay Italian Funeral also features Anthony J. Wilkinson (Anthony Pinnunziato), Hugh Hysell (Maurizio Le Grande), Donna Castellano (Angela), Marissa Perry (Maria), Debra Toscano (Toniann), Meagan Robar (Connie), Erik Ransom (Vidal), Chad Kessler (Rabbi Horowitz), David Demato (Peter), Mustafa Gatollari (Dominick), Beth Dzuricky (Ondine) and Marie Fontaine.

My Big Gay Italian Funeral follows on from Anthony J. Wilkinson's comedy My Big Gay Italian Wedding, which play in repertory with My Big Gay Italian Funeral at St. Luke's Theatre, where both plays are currently selling tickets through to the end of May 2014.

The comedy features some of the same characters from Wilkinson's "My Big Gay Italian Wedding," which is currently running at St. Luke's Theatre.

My Big Gay Italian Funeral: After Anthony's father passes away, old family members are reunited after being on not the best of terms for over a decade.

The show is being presented by Bianco Productions and will be directed by two-time Emmy award winning director, Sonia Blangiardo, who also directs the latest revival of "My Big Gay Italian Wedding."

Blangiardo received Emmy's for her work on "One Life To Live" and "As The World Turns" and is currently the Supervising Producer for the new "All My Children."